Motorcycles are the most vulnerable of all vehicles on the road because they do not have seat belts, and riders can be thrown in the event of a crash, wh...

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Safety tips for motorcycles

Motorcycles are the most vulnerable of all vehicles on the road because they do not have seat belts, and riders can be thrown in the event of a crash, which can result in serious injury and death. Your chance for survival significantly increases if you wear a helmet and follow the safety tips below when riding.

Watch the no-zones

Never hang out in a truck’s blind spot or “no-zone.” Trucks have large no-zones on the sides, front and back of the truck. Truck drivers cannot see you when you ride in these blind spots. The front blind spot is particularly dangerous if you need to stop quickly.

Always wear a helmet

Make sure to always wear a helmet. Beware of helmets that do not meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards. Check for the DOT label inside the helmet.

Drive to survive

Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road. They unfortunately provide virtually no protection in a crash. Other drivers may not see you on your motorcycle, so you must be aware of everything on the road. Ride with caution and drive defensively. Even though your motorcycle may be small, you must adhere to the laws of the road. Never ride in between lanes in traffic or share a lane with another vehicle.

Check yourself and your bike

Inspect your motorcycle before each ride, and wear protective clothing, including gloves, boots and a jacket.

Watch your speed

Of all vehicles, motorcycles accelerate the fastest, while trucks and buses are the slowest. Watch your speed around trucks, especially in bad weather or at night.

Check your skill set

If you are a new rider, be sure you have the proper classification to ride and consider taking the free Cycle Rider Safety Training Program offered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Course information is available at: www.startseeingmotorcycles.org/Motorcycle_courses.aspx.

ROCKFORD — Machesney Park resident Hank Clay rode motorcycles for more than 50 years before he had his first accident in 2010.

The 77-year-old service technician at Kegel Harley-Davidson was traveling west on Riverside Boulevard when he said a vehicle pulled out of a business parking lot, entered the roadway and gave him little chance to avoid a collision.

“You have to expect the unexpected,” Clay said. “I was thankful I was wearing a helmet. When my head hit the pavement, it cracked the helmet.”

Spring weather is a reminder that motorcycles and motor vehicles will be sharing the roadways again, and drivers of all types can take steps to increase safety on the streets.

Last year, there were 155 motorcycle fatalities in Illinois, up from 148 in 2012.

Motorcycles represented just 3 percent of all vehicle registrations in 2012 but accounted for more than 15 percent of all vehicle fatalities, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. About half of the motorcycle rider deaths occurred in crashes involving only the motorcycle, and about 40 percent of those fatalities involved motorcyclists who rode after drinking.

While next month’s annual “Start Seeing Motorcycles” campaign is geared toward making the motoring public aware of motorcycles on the roadways, the “Gear Up, Ride Smart” campaign is designed to keep motorcyclists safe, starting with riding a motorcycle properly.

Before taking that motorcycle out of storage for a spring spin, cyclists are urged to make sure that the motorcycle has fresh fluids, the brakes and throttle are in good working condition, and the tires have good treads and are properly inflated.

Allen Matlock, Kegel’s riding academy manager, said novice and experienced riders should take a riding course.

“I would love for them to take it here,” he said, “but just take it.

“We’ve been in hibernation for a good five or six months. So it wouldn’t hurt to brush over your riding skills. That way you get to go over the fundamentals of safe riding.”

The fundamentals entail being aware of your surroundings at all times.

Matlock said that motorcyclists have to always be on the lookout for road hazards, such as the numerous spring potholes. The road craters can damage a vehicle but seriously injure a motorcyclist.

Page 2 of 2 - Motorcycle riders also have to be aware of other motorists, anticipate their moves and be ready to take evasive action.

Before taking that first spring ride and every ride thereafter, motorcyclists are encouraged to wear protective and reflective clothing and a helmet.

“We want to eliminate fatalities on Illinois roadways,” IDOT Secretary Ann Schneider said, “and motorcyclists can help by ensuring they are wearing the proper gear, taking a training or refresher course as needed, and not drinking and driving.”